Hotel workers in Chicago went on strike as the city prepared to welcome marathon participants and visitors. The labor action comes after hotel contracts for approximately 7,000 workers expired on August 31. The workers’ union, Unite Here Local 1, reported the strike on Friday. The union includes various hotel staff, such as room attendants, dishwashers, front desk agents, and servers.
The workers decided to authorize strikes in September. As of Friday, employees from six hotels joined the strike. These hotels include Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago, Palmer House, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Westin Chicago River North, and The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago.
“As Chicago welcomes marathon runners and visitors from around the world, hotel workers are being pushed to the breaking point while hotel executives profit,” said Karen Kent, the union president. “The workers who sustain this industry are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs.”
Each hotel negotiates contracts separately with the union. Currently, workers have not reached an agreement with any hotel employers. Unite Here indicated the possibility of extending the strike to more hotels if necessary.
The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association expressed concern regarding the strike’s potential impacts. They warned of negative effects on employees, visitors, hotels, and the city. They assured that hotels have contingency plans to manage the situation.
Chicago faced a previous major hotel strike in 2018, affecting more than 20 hotels. The current strike marks another critical moment for the city’s hospitality industry, especially during a significant event like the marathon.
Updates will follow as this situation develops.